DIY Firepit Instructions
- 1). Locate a spot in the backyard for the firepit. Ensure the location is away from the house and any other structures to reduce fire risk.
- 2). Builder a circular base by laying the stones one after another until the circle is complete. If you need to cut the last stone to fit the gap, mark the appropriate size on the back of the stone. Use a 3-inch chisel to score the stone across the mark and around all four sides. Place the brick on a hard service. Place the chisel inside the score line and hit the chisel with a brick hammer until the brick breaks apart. Place the last brick in the circle.
- 3). Measure about 1 inch outside of the brick ring and mark the perimeter using a spade shovel.
- 4). Count the number of blocks needed to make the circle and remove them.
- 5). Measure the width of one brick using a measuring tape. Use the spade shovel to dig a trench the width of the brick and 12 inches in depth along the perimeter. Confirm the depth with the measuring tape.
- 6). Dig 6 inches deep inside the perimeter with the spade shovel. Confirm the depth with the measuring tape.
- 7). Place ¾ drainage gravel into the trench until the trench is half full. Compact the gravel with a hand tamper until it is flat.
- 8). Place the first stone in the trench, ensuring it is aligned with the front and back of the trench. Use a 2-foot level to verify the stone is aligned on all sides. If one side of the stone is too high, hit it lightly with a mallet. If one side of the stone is too low, place a small handful of patio base underneath that side. Check the stone again using the level.
- 9). Place the second stone next to the first one and ensure it is aligned with the front and the back of the trench and secure it against the first stone. Use the level to verify the two stones are even. If one side of the second stone is too high, hit it lightly with a mallet. If one side of the second stone is too low, place a small handful of patio base underneath the side. Check the stone again using the level. Repeat this process until every stone from the original circle is placed in the trench.
- 10
Assemble the second layer of the wall. Pour masonry adhesive in a zig-zag pattern across two stones. Center a stone block across the middle of the first two and press firmly. Repeat this process until the second layer of the firepit wall is complete. - 11
Quickly fill the firepit with 6 inches of ¾-inch drainage gravel. - 12
Assemble the third and fourth layers of the wall. Pour masonry adhesive in a zig-zag pattern across two stones. Center a third stone across the middle of the first two and press firmly. Repeat this process until the third layer of the firepit wall is complete, and then move on to the fourth layer using the same process. - 13
Insert the campfire ring into the fire pit and ensure that it is centered and aligns with the top of the stone wall. - 14
Cap off the stone wall. Place a cap stone on top of the wall. Place a second cap stone slightly over the edge of the first stone. Use the chisel to mark where the two stones overlap. Repeat this process until the wall is covered. - 15
Take the last cap off the wall. Use the chisel to score each side of the stone starting at the overlap marker. Place the chisel inside the score mark and hit the chisel with a brick hammer to remove the overlapping piece. Repeat this process with each stone. - 16
Apply masonry adhesive in a zig-zag pattern across one stone. Place the first cap on top of the stone and press firmly. Apply masonry adhesive in a zig-zag pattern to the next stone. Place a cap on top of that stone and press firmly, ensuring the second cap aligns with the first. Repeat this process until every cap is installed.
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